VERO BEACH — St. Ed’s 2014 varsity boys lacrosse team will tender a case study on how effectively a group of seventh and eighth graders – one year removed from a sensational, undefeated middle school season – can blend-in with returning veterans for an encore performance at the high school level.
Head Coach Andrew Scheffer figures it’s not a matter of if, but when.
“Our middle school team was 11-0 last year and they won every game by at least 10 goals,” Scheffer said. “They are all varsity guys this year. We’re young, but we’re extremely talented. We’ve pumped up our schedule and I’m excited to see how well the guys do – and how good they can become.”
Scheffer’s roster features an eighth grader, nine freshmen, five sophomores, four juniors and four seniors.
The underclassmen will be counted on for more than just the usual window dressing on the bench.
An immediate impact was felt on offense.
Sophomore Austin Strazzulla (2), freshman Ritter Marchant (2) and eighth grader Ross Pridemore (3) accounted for most of the scoring in a 10-8 loss to Oxbridge Academy to open the season last week.
“Those three guys are very good,” Scheffer said. “We also have sophomore midfielder Josh Hurwitz returning. We’re very excited about freshman KC Barry, a left-handed attack man. Junior Ian Leveton can go to the goal. He is a strong, athletic lacrosse player. Sophomore Mason Heim will start on defense and play some midfield. We might throw another player or two in there to help, but those guys are going to have to carry us offensively.”
The name Pridemore certainly rings a bell in local lacrosse circles.
Sisters Katy and Hannah have tasted state championships with the Vero Beach High School girls lacrosse team.
Ross was the Championship Game MVP with three goals and three assists as his club team claimed the title at a nationwide tournament in December.
Increased player participation in off-season club programs and specialty camps only ramped-up expectations for this team.
Nevertheless, the growing popularity of this sport throughout the Treasure Coast will even things out and create ups-and-downs.
“We’re in a different district this year and the teams are generally better than some of the teams we faced in recent years,” Scheffer cautioned. “Martin County, South Fork and Jensen Beach are very good. Pine School is improving as well.”
VBHS and John Carroll round-out the district slate.
“Vero has a strong, experienced team,” Scheffer said. “I’m expecting a better showing than last year, but I’m not quite sure we’re ready to leap that hurdle just yet.”
The Pirates’ experience and leadership will be showcased on defense.
“Our four seniors are co-captains of the team,” Scheffer said. “They are really excited about playing leadership roles and they do that well. Aaron McGee has been around a long time. Terrell Sands (signed with D1 High Point University) plays long pole and he’s going to mix in a little offense this year. (Sands scored a goal vs. Oxbridge). Jacob Campbell and Clay Deal will handle the defensive midfield.”
In the early going the keeper position will be shared by sophomore Kevin Murphy and freshman Matt Hendren.
“Kevin started last year and has a lot of experience.” Scheffer said. “Matt was on the middle school team and went to a bunch of camps. Both do a lot of good things in goal. It’ll be a real battle to see who’s going to get the lion’s share of playing time.”
McGee and Deal have enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to do whatever is necessary to build a cohesive, competitive varsity unit.
“We have a challenging schedule, but it’s fitting for our level of play,” McGee said. “We should get quite a few victories, but we know we still have to work hard to get there. Obviously I want to be in leadership role for these kids. They are much better than I was at their age.”
McGee is coming off a knee injury that wrecked his senior year in football and soccer.
He said, “I worked hard in rehab and my knee is better than ever. I’ll be out there for the entire season, you can count on that for sure.”
Deal mentioned that the coach “pulled the seniors aside and told us the captainship isn’t about going out for the coin toss – it’s about setting an example for the younger guys. We had to bring the intensity in practice and get them used to the speed of play in varsity games. Everybody’s working hard and wants this to be a great season.”
Scheffer summarized it all by saying: “We just want to be the best possible team we can be. That’s what we’re trying to do, and if we can win a game or two along the way, that would be great.”
